Kebony
Adopts a Fiery Finish

Shou Sugi Ban - Timber Cladding - Burnt Cedar Board

Shou Sugi Ban, a UK based manufacturer of charred timber
products, has selected Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended
by leading architects, to create a distinctive modified
timber cladding using the ancient Japanese techniques of
burning, brushing or pre-weathering timber to provide a
long-lasting and beautiful wood. This unique manufacturing
process has been used in the UK for over eight years; the
process requires a fine attention to detail and can be
dangerous, however the end-result is remarkable and a
worthwhile feat of ingenuity.

Shou Sugi Ban is a Japanese term which literally translates
to ‘burnt cedar board’. Historically, Japanese carpenters
sourced driftwood from the coastlines of Japan, both for its
impressive durability and distressed appearance, after being
subjected to salt water and harsh weather conditions. Over time,
it became increasingly difficult to source this driftwood due to
high demand for such a hardwearing product. As a result,
Japanese carpenters chose to create the desired effect by
burning or weathering timber to give the original wood a charred
and fragile finish.

Based in the UK, Shou Sugi Ban has added Kebony to its list
of products, applying the ancient techniques to Kebony cladding
to deliver unique and intriguing appearances. Both Kebony’s
clear and character grade claddings are available in various
different profiles, each varying in textured grain and tonal
palette. Kebony Character is available in Kuril (charred) and
Kyushu (brushed), while Kebony Clear is available in Minami No
(charred), Kiiro (brushed), Tekusucha (soft brushed) and Hijo Ni
Mirikiteki Na (pre-weathered). Despite these variations, all
Kebony products share the same high level of durability
instilled by Kebony’s environmentally friendly patented
technology which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by
heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural
by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell walls, the wood
gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability,
giving it characteristics similar to those of the best tropical
hardwood.

Pre-weathered Kebony by Shou Sugi Ban was carefully selected
by Claridge Architects for the external cladding of a single-storey
family home located in Hampstead, North London for its level of
durability. The wooden house suitably named, Oak Hill, is set at
the foot of an original Victorian mansion block which comprises
an extensive use of glass panelling to provide a widescreen view
of the natural surroundings to promote the property’s open-ended
nature. Diagonally laid strips of Hijo Ni Mirikiteki Na Kebony
were incorporated into the design; creating a neutral palette
with simple grey tones which complement the suburban nature of
the surrounding garden.

Karl Harrison, Founder of Shou Sugi Ban commented: "Kebony is
one of the most durable woods that we have had the pleasure of
working with. The charred effect helps to emphasise the detailed
grain of the wood and this has been a popular choice for our
customers. We can’t wait to showcase Shou Sugi Ban projects with
Kebony in the future."

Adrian Pye, International Sales Director at Kebony added: "It
is wonderful to see the versatility of Kebony and how it reacts
to the ancient Japanese technique of charring. Shou Sugi Ban has
cleverly added a new element to Kebony’s repertoire and we are
thrilled to be a part of this process."